How We Help
We bring people, resources and opportunities together to preserve North Carolina’s maritime heritage and strengthen the Museum’s connection to our community.
Turning Community Support Into Museum Impact
The Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort serve as the Museum’s nonprofit support and membership organization.
Since 1977, the Friends have supported programs, exhibitions, educational opportunities, historic preservation, boats, equipment and properties that help the Museum fulfill its mission.
Through the generosity of members, donors, sponsors, volunteers and community partners, we help make meaningful Museum experiences possible.
What the Friends Make Possible
Our support reaches across education, preservation, recreation, community engagement and the day-to-day needs of the Museum.
Education and Programs
We support hands-on experiences that connect children, adults and families to maritime history, science, boating and traditional skills.
- Junior Sailing Program
- Adult boating and sailing instruction
- Summer Science School
- Boatbuilding classes and demonstrations
- Cape Lookout educational programs
- Watercraft Center programs
Preservation and Stewardship
We help preserve vessels, collections, properties and maritime traditions that tell the story of coastal North Carolina.
- Historic boat and watercraft preservation
- Museum collections support
- Friends-owned boats for Museum programs
- Gallants Channel care and development
- Facility and property support
Community and Connection
We create opportunities for people to gather, learn, volunteer and build lasting connections around our shared maritime heritage.
- Wooden Boat Show
- Holiday Flotilla
- Community programs and special events
- Volunteer engagement and recognition
- Member activities and gatherings
- First Friday events
Clubs and Maritime Activities
We support community organizations that keep traditional maritime skills, recreation and fellowship thriving.
- Beaufort Oars Rowing Club
- Traditional Small Craft Association
- Carolina Maritime Model Society
- Sailing and rowing activities
- Maritime demonstrations
- Volunteer-led programs
One Mission. Many Ways to Make a Difference.
From hands-on learning to historic preservation, every program and partnership helps keep North Carolina’s maritime story alive.
Supporting the Work That Keeps the Museum Moving Forward
Some of our most important contributions happen outside the public eye. The Friends help provide the resources, infrastructure and operational support needed to sustain Museum programs and experiences.
Help Us Preserve Our Maritime Heritage
Your generosity helps strengthen Museum programs, preserve maritime traditions and create meaningful experiences for generations to come.
Support the Museum